Post Graduate Diploma/ Executive Diploma in Forensic Regulatory Affairs (PGFRA/EFRA)

The PG Diploma / Executive Diploma in Forensic Regulatory Affairs is a specialized, high-level programme designed to bridge the gap between forensic practice, international quality standards, and the legal mandates of the justice system. While forensic science focuses on the analysis of evidence, Forensic Regulatory Affairs ensures that such analysis is conducted within a framework of accountability, standardization, and global compliance.

Programme Overview

The programme provides an in-depth exploration of the regulatory landscapes governing forensic laboratories both in India and internationally. It integrates the technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and 17020 with the administrative oversight of bodies like the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) and NABL. Students will gain a masterly understanding of how forensic results transition from the laboratory bench to the witness stand through the lens of strict quality management and "Standard Operating Procedures" (SOPs).

Global and Digital Governance, a cornerstone of the curriculum is the comparative study of global models, including the UK Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) codes and US admissibility standards along with other countries. As crime evolves, the programme addresses the burgeoning field of Digital Governance, tackling the regulatory challenges of cyber forensics, AI ethics, and data protection laws like the GDPR and India’s DPDP Act. Risk Management and Financial Oversight, moving beyond the traditional lab, the course delves into Forensic Accounting and Financial Regulation, preparing professionals to navigate the complexities of the PMLA, SEBI guidelines, and the investigative functions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This is balanced with a rigorous approach to Risk Management, where students learn to conduct regulatory audits and implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to mitigate compliance failures.

This programme is tailor-made for professionals seeking leadership roles in Laboratory Administration, Quality Assurance, and Legal Consultancy. It equips learners with the expertise to ensure that forensic institutions remain "inspection-ready," ethically sound, and scientifically beyond reproach, ultimately safeguarding the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Programme Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Forensic Science

• Definition & Scope of Forensic Science
• History and Evolution of Forensic Science
• Branches & Divisions of Forensic Science
• Role of Forensic Science in Criminal Justice System
• Relationship between Forensic science, Investigation & Law
• Ethical issues in Forensic Science Practice 

Module 2: Introduction to Forensic Regulatory Affairs (FRA)

• Concept and Scope of Regulatory Affairs in Forensic Science
• Need for Regulation in Forensic Practice
• The Regulatory vs Investigative Function
• The Global Model
• The Indian Framework

Module 3: Global Forensic Regulatory Systems

• Overview of International Forensic Governance
• Importance of Harmonization of Forensic Standards
• Role of International Organizations in Forensic Regulation
• Comparative Global Regulatory Models

Module 4: International Forensic Regulatory Bodies & Frameworks

• The UK Model: FSR codes for Practice
• The US Model
• European Oversight
• Australian Standards
• Admissibility Standards

Module 5: International and Indian Quality Management (ISO & ILAC)

• ISO/IEC 17025 (India: NABL)
• ISO/IEC 17020 (India: NABL/DFSS)
• ILAC-G19
• Method Validation
• The ILAC MRA

Module 6: Global Digital Governance and Cyber Regulatory Affairs

• Regulation of Digital & Cyber Forensics
• Data Protection Laws (GDPR, DPDP Act)
• International Cybercrime Laws
• AI, DNA Databases & Privacy Issues

Module 7: Forensic Science Administration & Governance in India

• Structure of Forensic Science Services in India
• Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS)
• Central & State Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs & FSLs)
• Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D)
• Role of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

Module 8: Indian Accreditation & Quality Standards (NABL & BIS)

• NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories)
• NABL-113
• BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)
• The "Standard Operating Procedures" (SOPs)

Module 9: Indian Financial Regulation & Forensic Accounting

• PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act)
• Regulatory & Investigative Authorities
• RBI & SEBI Guidelines
• Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) 

Module 10: Regulatory Inspections, Audits & Risk Management

• Risk Assessment in Forensic Laboratories
• Regulatory Audits & Inspections
• Compliance Failures & (Corrective Actions & Preventive Actions) CAPA
• Crisis Management & Legal Implications
• Inspection Readiness & Documentation 

Module 12: Case Studies

Module 13: Capstone Project

Eligibility

Graduates in any discipline are eligible for our Post Graduate Diploma, Executive Diploma and Professional Certification Programmes.

Programme Duration

The minimum duration to complete the PG diploma programme is 12 months and maximum is 24 months. The minimum duration to complete the executive diploma programme is 6 months and maximum is 12 months.

Programme Mode

Registrations are currently open for regular and Part-time (Online Live Classes) both modes.

Programme Deliverables

A comprehensive study material for all the Modules in hard copies ensuring the needs of the audience. The accompanying training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry’s expectations.

• Assignments for all the programme modules for continuous evaluation and guidance.
• Interactive or online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants.
• Online classes for all the modules will be conducted on the weekends. Moreover, a doubt clearing session will also be scheduled before the examination
• All the efforts are made by IGMPI faculty members to make the entire programme modules easily understandable.
• Assessment and evaluation for all the programme modules in order to enhance the levels of competencies and skills of the participants leading towards the objective of application in the job.
• At the end of each programme modules, the trainers shall obtain feedback from the participants using specially designed questionnaires.
• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English. 

Examination and Certification

All the participants are expected to appear for an online exam and are also obliged to submit assignments after each module. After successful completion, the participants will be awarded the PG Diploma/Executive Diploma in Forensic Regulatory AffairsfromtheCentre for Cyber Forensic and Cyber Security, IGMPI. For all the above-mentioned modules, Online Classes (Online mode) or face-to-face classes (Regular mode), elaborate programme material, self-assessment assignments would be provided by the Institute. Details get updated on the webpage as well.

Discipline in Classes and Examination

Every student is required to observe a disciplined behaviour during her/his classes, assessments & examinations and to follow instructions from the Professors. Any act of indiscipline may result into discredit & it will be mentioned in her/his academic report.

Placement Assistance & Corporate Relations

The Institute has partnered with many organizations for providing with placement assistance to its participants. Besides, it has a robust placement cell comprised of senior level Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts which maintains close links with business and industry. This cell is continuously engaged in promoting the employability of our participants and encouraging the concerned Human Resources department and Hiring Managers to recruit/hire our participants for their vacant positions. The efforts of our placement cell also include helping with professional resume writing & interview skills.

Our corporate relations strategy is designed to channel this interest into high-value opportunities for our students. Recruitment from Global Consulting Giants: Leading professional service firms including Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG actively seek experts for their specialized wings in Risk Advisory, Regulatory Compliance, and Forensic Investigation. Financial & Banking Sector Connect: We bridge the gap between our learners and the banking sector—including major Indian and international banks—focusing on roles that manage Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and PMLA compliance. Technology & Cyber Security Partnerships: Through our programme, students gain exposure to the cyber-forensic requirements of tech powerhouses like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Accenture, as well as emerging Indian cybersecurity startups, apart from these companies Internships can also be facilitated in NABL which give insights of Forensic Regulatory Affairs. Mock Audits & Industry Readiness: The programme focuses on making students "industry-ready" by simulating regulatory inspections and providing training in documentation standards required by bodies like CERT-In and NCIIPC. 

Future Career Prospects

The future career prospects for Forensic Regulatory Affairs occupy a unique niche, combining scientific rigor with administrative and legal expertise. The demand for "Forensic Regulators" is surging as global standards become more stringent. Quality Manager / Technical Manager: Overseeing ISO/IEC 17025 compliance in central and state forensic laboratories. Forensic Regulatory Consultant: Advising private labs on accreditation processes and international harmonisation. Compliance Officer (Digital & Financial): Managing regulatory risks related to data privacy (DPDP Act, GDPR) and financial crimes (PMLA) for MNCs and banks. Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Life Sciences): Working with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to ensure lab data integrity for FDA/EMA submissions. Accreditation Auditor: Serving as a specialized assessor for national and international accreditation bodies.

View Prospectus

Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 30^th Jan 2026.

For further enquiries, call or write to us on:
18001031071 (Toll Free -9:00 am to 5:30 pm IST-except on Central Government holidays)/ info@igmpi.ac.in